WARNING: NOT TO BE READ BY THOSE WITH TENDER TOES. THEY MAY GET STEPPED ON.

by Maria Votto

If you were to ask most Christians if they believe that God changes, the answer would be pretty close to a unanimous “NO”. If you were to ask them does His Word ever change, again the answer would most likely be another resounding “NO”. Why then, do some Christians believe that what was not acceptable 20 years ago is acceptable today?

When I was growing up, children were to respect adults (You were told to do something once and then came consequences for disobedience). Now you have counting down, bribery, warnings and time outs (side note- is it just me, or is that all prison is-time out for adults?) Church going children went to Sunday school with their Bibles to learn about the Lord and were expected to sit quietly and pay attention to the Preacher- maybe even take notes-never daring to talk above a whisper to anyone. Now it seems parents are thankful just to have their kids in the building at all; no matter that they are laughing and talking loudly to friends during the worship and the sermon itself appears to be the perfect time to be taking pictures, texting and sharing music videos on cellphones and ipods.

If I sound like a disgruntled 80 year old woman saddened by the loss of respect for God and parents that was the core of family “back in the day”, I apologize. I’m not. I’m only 30.This makes me a member of the Generation Y demographic. I was born in the 1981, can remember Pound Puppies, Pogs, Trapper Keepers and Grunge Fashion. I also remember answering my mother and grandparents with “Please”, “No, thank you”, and “Yes sir/ma’am”- not “Whatever”, “Yeah” or “That’s cool”. I would sit quietly beside my mom (not friends) as young as 5 years old and did my best to write what I thought was of importance from the Pastor’s message. If I wanted to “hang” with my friends, I had to wait until after church. It breaks my heart to see these precious children being left to their own, to raise themselves and their friends in unruly packs like wolf cubs. It’s like parents are just here anymore to provide free transportation, room and board and to dole out cash and other great prizes during birthdays

and holidays. It’s wrong. And when I’ve shared my feelings with other saved parents, the answer has disturbingly always been the same- “Times change.” I am well aware that times change, but what God requires of us as children (I am somebody’s child after all) and parents (I have 4 children of my own from 8 down to 2) has not changed.

CHILDREN: We are to obey our parents-Ephesians 6:1-3. It’s clear cut and simple! It even comes with a promise; and when the Lord promises something, you can be sure He’s good to his Word. Our parents aren’t trying to stifle our fun, but show us how to separate fun from sin, to know the difference between the two and to love God and choose Him in all we do.PARENTS: We have a bit more required of us, since we are being entrusted with rearing a whole new generation for Him (no pressure!)First we are to train them, not just teach them-Proverbs 22:6. Teaching is growing head knowledge; Training is to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of by discipline and instruction. This can’t be done if they are running with their friends all day and night. They need us to train them, not their friends. Proverbs 29:15 is what you get when you don’t. With training there is bound to be frustration, so secondly we are not to exasperate them. You can’t train a heart that is protectively walled up from your badgering and bullying. Instruct with patience and love. After all, our children are a gift and reward from the Lord (Psalm127:3).

We may be living in modern times, but every time is modern times to whatever generation is presently living in them! God created the beginning of time He will be there when time ends. Maybe we should stop trying to keep up with the times and try harder to keep up with the Timekeeper.

Maria Votto is a Jersey girl living in West Virginia. She is a devoted housewife and SAHM to 3 daughters ages 8, 5 and 3 and a son age 4. In her free time she loves to blog at her sites The Heart of Ruth and 8 Years of Growth, bake healthy treats and save money by couponing and making homemade products.

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